Military-technological innovation in small states: The cases of Israel and Singapore

Abstract

I srael and Singapore are both countries with small populations and no strategic depth, and both see technology as a crucial force multiplier when it comes to national security. Israel, however, has been much more successful than Singapore in developing a range of indigenous military-technological innovations. The reasons are both geostrategic and cultural. Israel faces a much more looming and imminent threat which demands more military-technological innovation.Moreover, Israel's informal and anti-hierarchical society is much more supportive than Singapore's when it comes to risk-taking and experimentation.

Analysing Revitalised Security Industry: The Tech-Powered Transformation for Small States

“…The technologically driven security industry used to be driven traditionally by "integrated battle concepts and acquisition of advanced weaponry", but now revolves around the information-technologies-driven revolution in military affairs (IT-RMA) (Bitzinger, 2021, p. 5). IDF has pioneered IT-RMA related capabilities like network-centric warfare, stand-off precision strikes, drones, and integrated C4ISR (Bitzinger, 2021). Israel spends a huge budget on military expenditures, which makes it among the top 15 countries to do so (SIPRI, 2023b).…”

“…USD 3,010 million in sales in 2021) (SIPRI, 2022). The exports include a variety of weapons categories such as drones and UAVs (comprising armed drones, such as the Hermes), air-to-air missiles (Python, I-Derby), missile defenses (Arrow, David's Sling, Barak, SPYDER); counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar (C-RAM) systems (Iron Dome, Iron Beam), anti-tank munitions (Spike), armoured vehicle protective systems (Trophy, Iron Fist); C4ISR and targeting systems (LITENING); and electro-optics and systems for electronic and cyber warfare (Bitzinger, 2021).…”

“…Israel has made itself a centre for the security industry exporting cutting-edge military equipment which also includes policing and surveillance technologies to repressive and democracies alike (Bitzinger, 2021). The Israeli security industry is also a leading player in global cyber technology (Kurç & Neuman, 2017).…”

“…Thus, the Israeli security industry is a nicheoriented and export-oriented commercial activity, which is crucial for its economy and ultimately supports Israel's defence for survival. This has been motivated by Israel's strategic necessity and national culture, which is further characterised by the intricate relationship between military and academia, strategic recruitment and training of youths, technological modus operandi in the military, and tight links between people, government, and army (Adamsky, 2010;Bitzinger, 2021).…”

“…However, the highly educated Singaporean workforce has led to enhancements in the economy and technology through excellence in aerospace, shipbuilding, computing, and information technology (Tan, 2001). Also, Singapore's defence position is interlocked with its relation to the USA which is vital for the new generation of the Singapore Armed Force (SAF) (Bitzinger, 2021). This new SAF has maintained a defensive posture through a strategy coined as "smart dolphin"-referring to high-tech, swift, and manoeuvrable force with pivotal force and precision firepower (Bitzinger, 2021).…”